Point Park University students, alumni featured in Sheetz commercial

Keep an eye out this spring for a Sheetz commercial featuring Point Park University students.

A professor in Point Park University’s Conservatory of the Performing Arts, Kiesha Lalama, worked with a production team to cast and choreograph a television commercial for Sheetz convenience stores.

“Working with Sheetz was amazing,” said Lalama, who has been teaching at the university for 20 years. “They are such a well-known brand, and were so kind to us on and off set.”

Lalama selected current students and alumni to perform in “Sheetz Happy Place,” created by the Charlotte, North Carolina-based Fourth Ward Productions. The spot was rehearsed and filmed over four days in December.

It’s set to air this spring. Lalama said she is not allowed to discuss specifics of the ad.

#PointParkU dance students & alumni will be featured in an upcoming regional commercial for @Sheetz convenience stores!

Drop your go-to MTO order below ???⬇️https://t.co/Laj2t9L0S1

— Point Park University (@PointParkU) January 20, 2021

The university found out about the commercial in November.

“We are so excited because we all need some positive energy right about now,” said Lalama, who selected 20 men and women from dance majors to theater.

LaTrea Rembert, a 2014 graduate who majored in theater with a minor in dance, said he was honored to be a part of the commercial. He’s performed in Pittsburgh CLO’s “Spamilton: An American Parody” at the Greer Cabaret Theater, worked with Barebones Productions, and is involved with the Staycee Pearl Dance Project.

He said the team put in long days.

“It was great to see some of my college friends and Kiesha,” said Rembert of East Liberty. “I can’t wait to see it. And you can get discovered, because you never know who might see it. It was fun to put on a Sheetz uniform.”

Courtesy of Point Park University

Current students and alumni of Point Park University were selected to be part of a commercial for Sheetz convenience store.

Lalama said the dancers had an opportunity to experience a production in a professional setting.

She applauded the university’s dance chair Garfield Lemonius for wanting to participate.

Bianca Brandon, a 2016 dance major graduate, said it was one of the most amazing experiences. … This is a huge reflection on Point Park. We have amazing faculty who are a huge part of who we become as adults and professionals.”

Brandon, of Mt. Washington, teaches dance for Propel Schools, has performed on the Disney Cruise Line and is a dance competition judge. She said it was an adjustment learning dance moves virtually because of the pandemic.

“As an artist you have to be adaptable,” Brandon said. “We are all in the same boat, so we have to be able to still do our craft.”

Lalama said it was a challenge coordinating dance moves via virtual instruction. They had several Zoom calls, and an in-person rehearsal. Filming was done at 3 Rivers Studios in Robinson.

“Pittsburgh is lucky to have this studio,” Lalama said. “It’s fabulous.”

Sam Sandora, general manager of 3 Rivers Studios, said the producer reached out to them. Having 130,000-square feet allows for social distancing and provides the space needed to be safe, he said.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for the dancers,” said Sandora. “When you are building your career, every experience counts. You never know who might see the commercial, and where it might take you in your career. A 30- or 60-second commercial can turn into much more.”

Sheetz stores are a family-owned company with 500 locations throughout six states.

Lalama hasn’t seen the spot yet.

“It was so much fun for me,” she said. “It was a breath of fresh air, and I loved being able to be part of this experience with the dancers who got to be part of a wonderful production and see how things really work. This experience was priceless.”